Their Eyes Watching Jesus ~ Christine Malkemes
We begin this week watching Jesus heal on the Sabbath. He had six days a week to heal, but it is big news when He heals on the Sabbath: Rabbi going against the law.
Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Again (Luke 14:1-6)
It was a quiet sabbath – a day all God’s people are called to rest. By invitation, Jesus is having a meal. It was at the home of an unnamed Pharisee ruler. With Jesus are other Pharisees, lawyers, and one sick man.
What will Jesus do?
With all eyes and ears on Jesus, He turns and asks them a question: “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not? They respond in silence. It was futile to argue with Jesus.
In their silence and watchful eyes, Jesus touched the man, and he was healed. Then the Lord sent him away. This man hurried on his way home, rejoicing and praising God.
Another walking witness.
Meanwhile, Jesus turned to the guests and host and said, “Which of you having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on the Sabbath day will not immediately pull him out?”
Again, they were silent.
Before we quickly move on to the following passage, let us contemplate the power and beauty of the moment. Here’s another opportunity to see God’s character. They saw a sick man only worthy of invitation because he helped discredit the Rabbi. Jesus saw the man’s pain.
God’s Ways?
God’s ways are not ours, and His thoughts are far above anything we could even think. His ways and thoughts are infinity and gloriously better. Even under such bitter scrutiny, the Son of God was sovereign to heal.
We, on this side of history, find it hard to understand their scorn of Jesus. They see Him as a dangerous man and someone they should stop at all costs. So, with murderous eyes and angry ears, they set their hearts to kill Him – a lawbreaker.
Jesus knew perfectly well what they were thinking, and yet He did not hesitate to heal. Even under critical scrutiny, Jesus obeyed the Father to save. He didn’t lose his temper or argue with them.
He healed the sick man.
The ruler, the Pharisees, and the lawyers were filled with hate. Jesus brought love. We know that soon, these men will watch Jesus die. Their silence will be exchanged for hateful words, “Crucify Him!” Then they will hear and see His love. “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.”
For God so loved the world He gave…
Christine Malkemes is a wife, mother, minister, and retired Army Officer. Her passion is to see women find intimacy in their relationship with the Lord. She will tell you the most powerful prayer she ever sent to heaven was "Lord, You must become more and me less!" She is on a journey to the heart of God. Will you join her.
